The use of addictive substances has been with mankind since time immemorial. Drugs, however, have the ability to change the way we perceive and experience the world around us. There are a number of them with a range of effects, and some not always desired: where after taking them we can feel cheerful, even euphoric, full of energy, keenly aware and powerful or, on the contrary, subdued, helpless, depressed, desperate, frightened, agitated--all depending on the drug, our level of dependency on it, and its usage.

The reason why we reach for the drug in the first place can be a desire to try something new; simple curiosity; an effort to cope with our environment; or perhaps we have a life situation from which we are trying to escape. Drug use can begin as a coping mechanism for unpleasant feelings and situations. If we find ourselves under pressure, we may use drugs to relieve ourselves and to relieve the tension that is in us.

While addictive substances are many, the phenomenon of addiction is singular. Broadly speaking, one may go through three identifiable phases in addiction:

In the first phase, one may have feelings of enthusiasm and other pleasant and intense emotional states. At this point, the substance use has so far only minimal risks to one’s social wellbeing and physical health, and it takes a relatively small amount of the substance to enjoy the pleasant effects.

In the second phase, there is a loss of control over use. One will begin to push the boundaries that one had set for oneself (e.g., not to use the substance at work or while looking after the children). The substance use begins to have a problematic influence on one’s choices, such as avoiding those who might prevent one from using. Next, the lying starts--where one begins to invent a web of self-deception and lying to others in order to hide or justify using. In this phase, one often begins first efforts to stop, only to discover that one is unable to do so.

In the last phase, any “positives” that one’s substance use seemed to provide in the beginning have been completely exhausted by now. The substance use no longer serves to improve any situation or condition of normal life, but rather becomes, at best, a way to obtain temporary and unsatisfactory relief from the physical and psychological pain experienced when not under the influence (and especially when withdrawing).